How often should generators be tested for safety?

Testing generators for safety on a weekly or more frequent basis is essential to ensure they are operational and ready for use when needed. Regular testing allows firefighters and other personnel to identify potential issues before they can lead to larger problems, such as equipment failure during an emergency situation.

Weekly testing is particularly important in environments where generators may be used for critical functions during power outages or emergencies. This practice helps maintain operational readiness and reliability, as well as ensuring that safety features and functions are working correctly. Regular checks can include inspecting fuel levels, assessing electrical connections, and performing functionality tests, all of which help to prevent malfunctions.

In contrast, less frequent testing, such as monthly, bi-annually, or annually, may not be sufficient to catch issues that could arise with the generator. Such infrequent testing increases the risk of encountering a serious problem in an emergency situation where the generator is needed the most. Thus, weekly or more frequent testing is the recommended practice to maintain safety and readiness.